FAQs
What is a GoodWorld Salon, and how does it differ from a writing workshop or residency?
A GoodWorld Journeys Salon is an intentional 8-10 day gathering where people come together for deep, engaging wisdom sharing and conversations on curated topics in inspiring landscapes.
While the schedule varies by Salon, a typical 10-day program includes:
- One 3-4 hour introductory morning session: Guest Artists provide opening comments, and participants share short introductions of themselves.
- Four 3-hour morning craft sessions: These typically begin with a craft talk from a Guest Artist, followed by Q & A time, and a generative exercise/writing prompt, with sharing in breakout groups or among the full group.
- Four 2-hour evening sessions: Guest Artists interview each other about their creative life journeys, followed by a Q&A from the participants.
- One closing 2-hour evening session: Typically includes readings, performances, and other opportunities for collective sharing from Guest Artists.
- One 3-4 hour closing morning session: Guest Artists provide closing comments, participants share reflections from the Salon, and photos/signings are made available with Guest Artists.
Do I have to be a professional or aspiring writer/artist?
No. While our Salons include a decent number of professional and aspiring writers and artists, they are always enriched by readers, listeners, and lovers of books, music, poetry, stories, and art that deepen all of us.
Will Guest Artists read, listen to, or give feedback on my work?
Some Salon sessions may include opportunities for participants to share work generated during the session, but individual manuscript/songwriting review and one-on-one feedback are not provided by Salon Guest Artists.
What criteria are used for selecting Salon applicants to participate?
We aim to bring together a vibrant and inclusive mix of participants for each Salon. This includes diversity across nationality, age, gender, race, neurodiversity, lived experience, professional background, and creative interests.
We welcome both accomplished and emerging voices—writers, storytellers, songwriters, cultural creatives—as well as passionate readers, music lovers, curious travelers, and changemakers. You do not need to identify as an artist or writer to participate.
Each Salon is enriched by the presence of thoughtful, engaged individuals who value meaningful conversation, shared inspiration, empathy, and intentional retreat time.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes, we offer a limited number of partial scholarships for each Salon, awarded based on both need and merit. Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000 and apply only to the Salon program fee. They do not cover international travel to or from Greece or Mexico.
When completing your Salon application, you’ll be asked if your attendance is dependent upon scholarship assistance. If eligible, you may receive a separate scholarship application form via email after the initial review of your materials.
Please note: Scholarships are limited, and some applicants who are not awarded financial assistance subsequently request consideration as full-fee participants. Because applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis, waiting until scholarship decisions are announced to pursue a full-fee spot may reduce your chances of acceptance.
How many participants typically attend each Salon?
Salons typically include 40-60 participants, with a maximum cap of 60.
We’ve found this size enables the ideal balance: intimate enough to foster meaningful connection and community, yet large enough to offer a rich shared experience among a healthy diversity of good souls who attend.
How does the application process work?
We usually receive more applications than we have available spots for each Salon. To help us get to know you, we ask that you answer a few questions thoughtfully and thoroughly.
Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email and will be notified of your acceptance decision within 10–30 days. Some applicants may be placed on a waitlist.
If you’re accepted, you’ll be required to make a deposit within 10 days to secure your spot, followed by a final payment.
Which meals are included, and how do other meals work?
The Salon fee covers:
- Buffet breakfasts at the Salon hotel
- An opening dinner
- A closing dinner
- Lunch on the optional boat excursion day (for Patmos) or countryside excursion day (for San Miguel de Allende)
Vegetarian, vegan, and other food sensitivity options are provided for participants with special dietary needs.
All other lunches and dinners are paid for separately. Participants enjoy exploring the culinary delights of Patmos and San Miguel de Allende by venturing out to tavernas and cafes, either alone or sharing meals with fellow participants.
What are the accommodation options, and how are roommates matched?
On Patmos, all Salon participants stay at the same 3-star hotel, while in San Miguel de Allende there could be one or more accommodation options. The base Salon fee includes a shared double room for two people. You can either room with a friend or partner who is also participating, or request to be matched with another participant.
Applicants can also request a single-room supplement upgrade or a shared room with a non-participating spouse (depending on availability).
We pair roommates based on similar interests, life stages, and gender identities. We’ve often seen roommates develop close relationships, even meeting up around the world for years following the Salon.
My partner/spouse wants to come but doesn’t wish to participate in the Salon programming. Is this allowed?
Yes, non-participating partners or spouses are welcome to join you, space permitting.
For Salons on Patmos, a non-participant fee of $1950 applies. This fee includes sharing your room at the Salon hotel, enjoying the daily hotel breakfast, participating in the welcome and farewell dinners, and joining the guided excursion to the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse.
How physically demanding is the journey, and what access needs can be accommodated?
Our Salons offer a balance of scheduled sessions and free time. On Patmos, the Salon hotel sits on a hill with a steep driveway, and several stairs are required to reach most rooms. Unfortunately, the hotel is not wheelchair accessible.
If you have mobility limitations, a disability, or a health condition that may affect your travel or participation, please contact us before booking. We can discuss the setting, program activities, and any accommodation needs so you can assess whether the journey is suitable for you.
Please let us know in writing during the booking process about any needs that may require special attention or arrangements. We’ll discuss what support is available and any limitations before you commit.
Do I have to share my work?
There are no expectations for participants to share their work or generative writing during the Salon. There are opportunities to share during morning sessions and afternoon or evening Salon Common sessions (see below).
How much free time will I have?
Please see our sample Salon schedule here. We intentionally design ample free time between sessions so that participants can enjoy a restful time, exploring Patmos or San Miguel de Allende and making connections with fellow journeyers.
Can I skip a Salon session? Can I arrive late to a Salon or depart early?
We strongly encourage participants to attend all Salon sessions. However, we understand that circumstances may arise that require people to skip a session.
For the sake of building a strong Salon community, we seek to accept people who can commit to attending the full 8-10 day program. Depending upon circumstances, we can make exceptions if someone needs to arrive a day late or depart a day early.
Can I arrive early/stay late?
Yes, you’re welcome to arrive in Patmos before or after the Salon program dates. However, you’ll be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of your accommodations for any extended stay.
Additional nights at the Salon hotel may be possible based on availability. If you’re interested, please let the GoodWorld Journeys staff know your plans in advance—we’ll do our best to help you:
- Access discounted room rates, if available
- Stay in the same room assigned to you during the Salon
What are the Salon Commons?
Salon participants bring a wealth of talent, interests, and ideas to the Salon experience. Outside of the scheduled Salon morning and evening sessions co-led by our Guest Artists, GoodWorld Journeys helps to enable participants to meet and create together through peer groups, open mics, shared writing and feedback time, or other optional participant-led activities.
How do I get to Patmos?
Since Patmos does not have an airport, travel to the island requires a combination of transportation—usually involving a ferry or connecting boat. Your route can be tailored to your budget, schedule, and comfort preferences.
Once you’re accepted into the Salon and the summer ferry schedules are released, we’ll send detailed travel guidance to help you plan.
In general, there are two main ways to reach Patmos:
Option 1: Ferry from Athens
Take a large ferry from Athens to Patmos. Shared and private cabins with ensuite bathrooms are available, depending on your preference.
Option 2: Flight + Catamaran
Fly from Athens to a nearby island—Kos is usually the best choice, as it offers the most frequent boat connections to Patmos. From Kos, take a catamaran or large ferry to Patmos.
If you’re arriving from elsewhere in Europe, you may also find direct flights from major European hubs to Kos or Leros, both of which have good boat connections to Patmos.
What is the cancellation policy?
See our cancellation policy in our Salon Terms & Conditions.